Okay, this clearly solidifies Lyota Machida as a top fighter in the light heavyweight division. The dragon clearly is one extremely elusive fighter and it showed in this match versus a very very tough opponent in Thiago Silva. Silva, a self-proclaimed to never been knocked out, bruised, cut, beaten down, etc. but all that came to a bitter end this evening. Machida was quick off his feet, dancing and prancing around the octagon and throwing faint gestures to keep Silva off his feet. It was probably the fight of the night and knockout of the night wrapped into one.

Read more below:

From Sherdog.com:

Round 1
Machida lands a left hand lead and shows excellent footwork as he circles around the Octagon. A stiff body kick connects for Machida. A right knee from Machida smacks the groin protector of Silva. Referee Yves Lavigne gives Silva a brief reprieve and the action is restarted. Machida gets a trip and fights off a leg lock before standing. Silva follows and lands a knee to the body and a left hand that floors Silva. Machida stands over the fallen fighter and throws kicks to the left leg. Machida enters the guard of his opponent, and then stands. Machida rocks Silva with a punching combination, scoring another knockdown. Machida engages on the ground and takes the mount before standing. Silva is warned for holding the fence to defend a Machida trip. Machida stuffs a takedown and trips Silva to the floor. As the horn sounds, Machida lunges into Silva’s guard with a right hand that knocks him out on the floor at 4:59 of round one. Impressive display from Lyoto Machida.

Fight Video below (if available):

(Lyoto Machida vs. Thiago Silva)